Munster Will Have To Do It The Hard Way

Even at this early stage, having failed to secure a bonus point at the end of the 27-13 defeat at Edgeley Park, Munster face a difficult task in their attempt to reach the knock-out stages

Even at this early stage, having failed to secure a bonus point at the end of the 27-13 defeat at Edgeley Park, Munster face a difficult task in their attempt to reach the knock-out stages for an eight concecutive season.

And to make matters worse Alan Quinlan picked up a knee injury that almost certainly rules him out of next Saturday's now vital clash with Castres at Thomond Park.

Quinlan had a scan on the injured knee this (Sat) morning in Cork and news of the seriousness of the injury will be known on Monday.

At the end of a good opening half performance Munster led the Premiership leaders 10-9 thanks to a pack driven Frank Sheahan try and five points from the boot of Ronan O'Gara.

O'Gara extended the lead with an early second half penalty but then Sale capitalised on two mistakes to earn the match winning points.

Their first try came after staunch Munster defence earned them a five metre put-in but the ball squirted out awkwardly and scrumhalf Sililo Martens pounced to score.

At 19-13 down Munster werestill not out of it until an another error led to a try for Jason Robinson. They moved the ball right in what looked a promising fashion but Sebastien Chabal clattered Federico Pucciarriello who lost possession and the ball was kicked downfield. Robinson, who looked well offside easily won the race for the touchdown that ended Munster hopes.